Looking for a Preschool for a Child That Needs More Individualized Attention

Hi, my children have gone to/go to Horizon Hills Parenting Program.
http://www.conejo.tec.ca.us/parenting/Parenthome.htm
We've been pretty happy with it, but it's a Parent Co-op (play-based, developmental) and only half day (but very affordable.) So that won't work for you. Gosh I don't know what to recommend as far as preschools. There are so many and we've been pretty happy at HH. I have heard that children with your sons issues may not do well in other area preschools, simply because the teachers don't know how to handle it and may handle it inappropriately. You might want to check out Temple Etz Chaim and talk to the office (call up EVERY place) and ask to speak to the Director if you can and describe your situation and see if their place would be a good fit for your child. Many have websites so call and ask.
http://www.theneighborweb.com/ConejoValleyPreschools.html

But there is a program in Westlake Village that is supposed to help children who have attention difficulties. My friend (has an 8 yr old boy) is doing it now and sees improvement with her son. She's been driving to the SFV for years. It's pricey, but I think children are worth it. If it were my child, I would check it out.
http://www.brainbalancecenters.com/

HH hosts a wonderful Parent Talk & Teacher Talk series. Debbie Wilson of "S'cool Moves" will speak in April and it might be good for you to attend her talk. She had a daughter with severe delays (different situation from your child) but the therapies she used (after doing her own research - she was a reading specialist) did wonders for her daughter.
http://www.schoolmoves.com/
http://www.conejo.tec.ca.us/parenting/teachertalk.htm

Hi J.!

I am a special ed teacher(with almost 21 years of experience) for CVUSD and have a 9 year old daughter in 3rd grade here in Newbury Park. I highly recommend Roots and Wings Child Care Center in Thousand Oaks, near The Lakes shopping center. My daughter attended for about 2 and a half years and truly thrived. It is developmental so they are not pushing paper/pencil tasks, they learn so much by DOING! Science, art,field trips to the Civic Center,etc... I would recommend just popping in one day to see what you think-it is a warm and caring environment and they are willing to take chilren with all children, including those with special needs.

Also, you might want to call Horizon Hills- it is part of CVUSD and is a campus specifically for preschool-age students with all kinds of special needs, in fact I think I would call them first to set up an assessment so that the district could evaluate. Was an IEP held through Oak Park School District? If so, then you should contact them and ask for a 2nd IEP requesting evaluation and possible placement at Horizon Hills. ( All the school districts in the area work together, in fact I have had 3 or 4 students from Oak Park because it is such a small district.) CVUSD would also provide transportation although I'm not sure about the afterschool care. Maybe Roots and Wings would take him after school? Just some thoughts. If you have any questions please feel free to email me.

It sounds like you have not found the right "fit" yet but hang in there. ~C. Cipolla M.S. Special Ed

Hi J.,

The first thing that I felt reading your post was the issue of diagnosis/sitting still..At 4 years old,and a boy,that's a tall order.I have to say that even though my daughter at the age was MOSTLY able too,that need for teachers to expect children to sit quietly in circle time,and criss cross apple sauce,not all children are able to achieve that,and it certainly doesn't mean there's something wrong with him!I have friends that have had the same issues with their son's,and can tell you that all it took was time and alot of patience.We went to The Growing Place,and though it is situated within the church grounds,there was never ANY discussion of religion!!Next to G P there's another school who's name escapes me at the moment,but I've heard good things about...There are 2 others,but again they are housed connected to a church,and I don't know if religion is discussed.Little Oaks & Westminster Pres. I have a friend in Woodland Hills,who has twins and goes to a jewish school.She also has twins,and they both have delayed learning issues.She's been very happy there!! Let me know if you're interested,and I can find out the name of the school!! I have a friend who owns a pre school in Agoura,called Cornerstone.....The most important thing I would say is do your homework,talk to friends,and find a program where your son can thrive.We go to school in O P,and are very happy with the education we are receiving!!

Good luck!!

I have heard that Buttercup in Calabasas is great for kids that need just a little more direction. They combine special need kids with the regular classroom and I know several people that send there kids there that have had great experiences. There is usually a waiting list to get in, so I would check it out soon.

Hi J.

Has your pediatrian diagnosed your son with ADD?..or anyother diagnosis. I live in Simi Valley and currently have a 3 1/2 yr old in special ed. We just had our 2nd IEP (early) as she was not progressing the way the therapists/teachers thought she would. If your pediatrian can help our trying calling him/her...

D.

J.

I had similar problems with my son. The best thing we did for him was to take him to Karate. There is a great studio in TO called American Eagle Karate ###-###-####. Harry is the teacher and he has taught kids with all kinds of disabilities, including my son who earned the leader spot on the school's Demo Team. He works with parents and school. Your son will learn: RESPECT DISCIPLINE and how to EARN new belts and become self-confident. Tell Harry I sent you, he'll know who my son is when you say Nathan's Mom referred you. Good Luck! Keep him disciplined and always be together on how you and husband treat him! Deborah Smith

PS Try Montesori school on Driver in Old Agoura, near Chesbro. Ann is the Director. They have small classes and lots of individual teaching.

Preschool is not for every child, especially since these days "preschool" is a code word for daycare. Boys have a hard time sitting still, as they are different from girls, who actually like sitting in circles and singing songs. Is there anyway that you can start homeschooling your children "preschool"?

Try the Buttercup school in Agoura, Las Virgines Unified School District. Even though this is not your district I know they are waiving in This is a mixed population school, both typical and special need preschoolers.

On another note, who denied you the IEP? If it is your local public school you might want to remind them of their legal oblligations, and refusal to do the IEP (whether you like the results or not, is another question) is not an option. If it's a private school request you're out of luck. Also, if you've had a shadow for going on 5 months and have seen no improvement you may want to reevaluate what's going on. Hopefully there is a therapist etc involved, as someone needs to be overseeing the whole scenario. Good luck.

Finally, be exceptionally skeptical of anyone who diagnoses your 4 year old as add or adhd. I have a ton of experinece in this arena and most reputable people will not diagnose at this age. Also, this sort of diagnoses needs to come from a mental health professional, not a pediatrican. Try Dr. Chris Fulton in Calabasas, he's outstanding with this age group.

I read some of the other responses and saw that one of the other Mom's mentioned a school in Woodland Hills. It is West Valley Jewish Community Center and they have a Pre-school program that is amazing. My daughter has been there since 2 1/2 yrs old. She is now 5 1/2 and participating in the afternoon care program.

As for the schooling...great. Small classes: 14 kids on average, 1 teacher, 1 assistant and lots of volunteer mommies and staff. Lots of nurturing and creative learning.

My suggestion is to go one day on your own and see which school and program works for you and then take your child to see what reaction is most positive. We love the center for numerous activities. My theory is that your not always going to have the best teacher each year, but you make changes that are best for you and your family. If something isn't working, change it. Here is the contact information:

West Valley JCC
###-###-#### Stacy "ECE Director"